Whereas when a person with celiac disease consumes foods that contain certain protein fractions, that person suffers a cell-mediated immune response that damages the villi of the small intestine, interfering with the absorption of nutrients in food and the effectiveness of medications;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Whereas such problematic protein fractions are found in wheat, barley, rye, and oats, which are used to produce many foods, medications, and vitamins;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Whereas because celiac disease is a genetic disease, there is an increased incidence of celiac disease in families with a known history of celiac disease;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Whereas celiac disease is underdiagnosed because the symptoms can be attributed to other conditions and are easily overlooked by doctors and patients;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Whereas celiac disease is diagnosed by tests that measure the blood for abnormally high levels of the antibodies of immunoglobulin A, anti-tissue transglutaminase, and IgA anti-endomysium antibodies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Whereas celiac disease can be treated only by implementing a diet free of wheat, barley, rye, and oats, often called a ‘gluten-free diet’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Whereas a delay in the diagnosis of celiac disease can result in damage to the small intestine, which leads to an increased risk for malnutrition, anemia, lymphoma, adenocarcinoma, osteoporosis, miscarriage, congenital malformation, short stature, and disorders of skin and other organs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

Whereas the connection between celiac disease and diet was first established by Dr. Samuel Gee, who wrote, ‘if the patient can be cured at all, it must be by means of diet’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

(3) calls upon the people of the United States to observe National Celiac Disease Awareness Day with appropriate ceremonies and activities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink

(4) respectfully requests the Secretary of the Senate to transmit a copy of this resolution to the Celiac Sprue Association, the American Celiac Society, and the Celiac Disease Foundation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink

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